Pacific Mall Expansion + Hotel (Living Realty, 19s?, Petroff)

[bAuHaUs]

Yes I know of the demographics, but I'm just not convinced it is necessarily worthwhile because there are so many malls as is, and they aren't necessarily busy with traffic.

I'd have to agree with Hairball...when we met with the development team behind the Landmark, we proposed/suggested that they rethink the 'Asian' mall concept and consider a true outlet mall for their site, and we'd bring the likes of Polo, Reebok, Puma, Coach, etc....they held stedfast on their original concept, and they felt that the Asian community in Toronto wanted the shopping experience that they had envisioned. The area (and Toronto) doesn't need another 500-unit Pacific Mall selling dollar store nik-naks. We wanted them to open their development to the broader consumer base, and bring to market an exciting new retail format (that's non-existent in the GTA; since Vaughan Mills is still a hybrid of many retail formats, and it's not an outlet centre).

 

[marcus_a_j]

The proponents obviously feel there is enough demand to warrant this expanion, as do those behind the redevelopment of Market Village, Splendid China Tower and the Landmark, not to mention those who are financing these projects. How successful they are is yet to be determined and won't be for a few years.

 

[bAuHaUs]

The proponents obviously feel there is enough demand to warrant this expanion, as do those behind the redevelopment of Market Village, Splendid China Tower and the Landmark, not to mention those who are financing these projects. How successful they are is yet to be determined and won't be for a few years.

I agree, their success is uncertain...and our meeting took place over two years ago, and the Landmark site (I keep mentioning only beacuse I'm most familiar with it) is still dirt!

 

[Hairball]

I'd have to agree with Hairball...when we met with the development team behind the Landmark, we proposed/suggested that they rethink the 'Asian' mall concept and consider a true outlet mall for their site, and we'd bring the likes of Polo, Reebok, Puma, Coach, etc....they held stedfast on their original concept, and they felt that the Asian community in Toronto wanted the shopping experience that they had envisioned. The area (and Toronto) doesn't need another 500-unit Pacific Mall selling dollar store nik-naks. We wanted them to open their development to the broader consumer base, and bring to market an exciting new retail format (that's non-existent in the GTA; since Vaughan Mills is still a hybrid of many retail formats, and it's not an outlet centre).

I agree, I'm not really a fan of the Pacific Mall style. Basically all these stores that sell cheap imported clothes, glasses, or computers. I would like to see some of the Asian clothing brands open stores here, like Uniqlo or Muji. Now that would be interesting.

 

[bAuHaUs]

I agree, I'm not really a fan of the Pacific Mall style. Basically all these stores that sell cheap imported clothes, glasses, or computers. I would like to see some of the Asian clothing brands open stores here, like Uniqlo or Muji. Now that would be interesting.

We are in early (I stress very early) talks with Muji, Uniqlo and Daiso. We'll have to wait and see what action they take, but I agree with you, we do need fresh new retailers.

 

[taal]

We are in early (I stress very early) talks with Muji, Uniqlo and Daiso. We'll have to wait and see what action they take, but I agree with you, we do need fresh new retailers.

Where would these stores likely go if you were to guess?

 

[bAuHaUs]

Where would these stores likely go if you were to guess?

Top 10 shopping centres across Canada.

 

[Hairball]

We are in early (I stress very early) talks with Muji, Uniqlo and Daiso. We'll have to wait and see what action they take, but I agree with you, we do need fresh new retailers.

Interesting, it would be nice if stores like that do expand here.

Just curious what do you work as?

 

[bAuHaUs]

Interesting, it would be nice if stores like that do expand here.

Just curious what do you work as?

Market Research/GIS...

 

[AlvinofDiaspar]

Hairball:

Having Muji here would be NICE indeed. I have a feeling the target demographic for Toronto won't be a population that will stick around in Pacific Mall though. WQW, Leslieville, etc...maybe?

re: Chinese Malls

I believe the spaces are sold, not rented out by the "owner" of the mall.

AoD

 

[wyliepoon]

Having Muji here would be NICE indeed. I have a feeling the target demographic for Toronto won't be a population that will stick around in Pacific Mall though. WQW, Leslieville, etc...maybe?

The Muji in New York City is located at the base of the New York Times Building. If it works in a location like that then it'll probably work in a more mainstream, less Asian location in Toronto such as Yonge Street or Yorkville.

I'd have to agree with Hairball...when we met with the development team behind the Landmark, we proposed/suggested that they rethink the 'Asian' mall concept and consider a true outlet mall for their site, and we'd bring the likes of Polo, Reebok, Puma, Coach, etc....they held stedfast on their original concept, and they felt that the Asian community in Toronto wanted the shopping experience that they had envisioned.

Interesting that they would turn down an outlet mall concept. Chinese people are as big outlet mall fans as other people. In fact, outlet malls (and casinos) are essential to any Chinese bus tour from Toronto going to the US.

I actually don't see much hope in The Landmark staying as a Chinese mall. The major ethnic group around that mall is not Chinese, but South Asian. Middlefield Road is lined with Indian temples, South Asian shopping plazas (such as "GTA Square" at Middlefield and Finch), not to mention the new mosque that opened at Denison. I think the only way that The Landmark could survive is to go South Asian.

 

[kalvinone]

That would be awsome if they have Daiso here. They already have at least 2 stores in Vancouver... and since T&T moved here from there, I would imagine sooner or later, they would setup shop here. Considering its asian targeted. Pacific or Market Village would be a good spot.... it would help diversify the market from One's Better Living.

 

[bleeepbluuup]

That would be awsome if they have Daiso here. They already have at least 2 stores in Vancouver... and since T&T moved here from there, I would imagine sooner or later, they would setup shop here. Considering its asian targeted. Pacific or Market Village would be a good spot.... it would help diversify the market from One's Better Living.

You could drop a Daiso anywhere and it'd be popular. There aren't too many dollar store type places that are as nice as a Daiso.

A high end store like Takashimaya would be an exciting addition.

 

[EXgeMMy]

When I was in Paris I went to both Muji and Uniqlo.

I think the brand recognition alone would make them succeed here. That being said I'm sure there are people who are paid waaay more than I am do determine where good expansion should happen.

 

[Hairball]

Hairball:

Having Muji here would be NICE indeed. I have a feeling the target demographic for Toronto won't be a population that will stick around in Pacific Mall though. WQW, Leslieville, etc...maybe?

re: Chinese Malls

I believe the spaces are sold, not rented out by the "owner" of the mall.

AoD

Yeah it seems like typically the Chinese malls they sell the units out, so that's why it kind of feels like a flea market.

I agree that Pacific Mall probably wouldn't be where Muji would put a store, probably in a more major shopping area. Though it does kind of beg the question, if major Asian chain stores don't open in a Chinese mall, what will they use the space for? More of the same repeated, uninteresting stores?

The Muji in New York City is located at the base of the New York Times Building. If it works in a location like that then it'll probably work in a more mainstream, less Asian location in Toronto such as Yonge Street or Yorkville.

Interesting that they would turn down an outlet mall concept. Chinese people are as big outlet mall fans as other people. In fact, outlet malls (and casinos) are essential to any Chinese bus tour from Toronto going to the US.

I actually don't see much hope in The Landmark staying as a Chinese mall. The major ethnic group around that mall is not Chinese, but South Asian. Middlefield Road is lined with Indian temples, South Asian shopping plazas (such as "GTA Square" at Middlefield and Finch), not to mention the new mosque that opened at Denison. I think the only way that The Landmark could survive is to go South Asian.

A South Asian mall would be interesting too. If the Pacific Mall expansion and the Remington Centre both get built then The Landmark definitely wouldn't survive, it's kind of extreme oversaturation.

Does anyone remember the Oriental Centre at Brimley and Sheppard? I remember the upper floor was mostly empty, and then the mall was mostly cheap retail. Plus the main Chinese restaurant closed down not long ago too.